Have your say on the best of the city’s food and drink scene

Local food and drink lovers across Merseyside are being urged to cast their votes for the annual Liverpool Food and Drink Festival Awards 2018.

The prestigious awards, which give the public a chance to have their say on their favourite bars, restaurants and hospitality influencers, have been organised as an opportunity to celebrate the stars of the city’s exciting food and drink scene.

Isabella Kantor, Festival Manager at Liverpool Food and Drink Festival, said: “The Liverpool Food and Drink Festival Awards, now in their 11th consecutive year, have long been considered a highlight on the events calendar for those involved in the city’s food and drink sector.”

All winners will be announced at the annual awards ceremony, which will be held at Silk Road on 25th September

Categories include best restaurant, favourite bar or pub, best interior design and top hangout for families. There is also the opportunity to vote for ‘Street Food King or Queen’ who this year could be Treaty Pie, Simply Duck, Little Furnace or Tandoori Naan Hut.

All winners will be announced at the annual awards ceremony, which will be held at Silk Road on 25th September.

Dockside Dining Club's Andrew Duckworth is a nominee

The awards ceremony has become one of the most anticipated nights of the year for those working in the local hospitality industry. The region’s hospitality movers and shakers such as Signature Living’s Lawrence and Katie Kenwright, Izakaya’s Harry Marquart and Dockside Dining Club’s Andrew Duckworth have been shortlisted in the category for influencers who have made an outstanding contribution to Liverpool’s food and drink sector in the past year.

“I would urge anyone with an interest in food and drink to take the opportunity to cast their votes over the coming weeks,” said Isabella. “Good luck to all of the nominees and we are looking forward to announcing the winners.”

Liverpool Food and Drink Festival returns to Sefton Park on 15th and 16th September

The awards will follow Liverpool Food and Drink Festival, which returns to Sefton Park on Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th September, featuring pop up stalls from local restaurants, producers and street food vendors as well as live music and family entertainment, and dedicated areas for craft beers, gins, wines and speciality coffees.

This year, two Michelin-starred chef, Raymond Blanc OBE will make a guest appearance in the chef theatre area. Raymond Blanc, who has trained top chefs such as Marco Pierre White and Michael Caines MBE at his award-winning Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, is looking forward to doing a live cookery demonstration.

Raymond Blanc OBE will make a guest appearance (maybe with some cheese)

“I love the concept behind Liverpool Food and Drink Festival” said Blanc, “Talented local chefs coming together to showcase their signature dishes in one of the city’s most beautiful parks is such a wonderful idea.

“Great food should be celebrated in this way and I’m really looking forward to exploring Liverpool’s local food and drink scene during the festivities.”

There will be a whole programme of masterclasses and demos taking place throughout the weekend, where foodies can pick up tips from top local chefs and industry experts.